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The Best Madrid Derby clashes in Europe

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The Madrid derby has displayed some of its best encounters in the European competitions.

The Madrid derby is one of the fiercest local duels in Europe. It does not only represent the clash of two clubs but also the feud of two identities and social classes. Real Madrid has always been related to the rich, the royal family, the elite or those who are in possession of power, whereas Atletico Madrid is more rooted with the working class and the laymen. 

No wonder that their style of play often hints at such ideas. Los Blancos is more into ball possession, attacking football, and domination. Los Rojiblancos is on the other side. They are the ones instilling tactics relying more on physical, defensive football and counterattacks. 

Interestingly, there are more contradictions on these two teams, which signifies the depth of their nature. Real Madrid is led by Carlo Ancelotti, the serial winner in big clubs. He is currently the best manager in UCL history with five ‘Big Ear’ trophies in hand, three of which are clinched in Madrid in two spells. 

Atletico, on the other hand, has their living legend, Diego Simeone, at the helm of the team. The Argentine boss has been in charge of the club since 2012, marking one of the gaffers with the longest spell in the club. The former defensive midfielder might yet have won UCL, but he has delivered silverware for Los Cholconeros. Simeone has lifted two La Liga trophies, clinched two Europa League titles, two UEFA Super Cup, the Copa Del Rey, and reached the UCL final twice. 

Both teams have been in a title race too this season. What's more, they both have an even deeper rivalry in the squad. Los Merengues has Brazilian connections with Vinicius Jr., Rodyrgo, Eder Militao, and Endrick in the team. Atletico’s squad, as anticipated, is dominated by the Argentines. The likes of Rodrigo De Paul, Nehuel Molina, Angel Correa, new signings, Julian Alvarez, Juan Musso, and the manager’s own heir, Giuliano Simeone, are part of the team’s high-flying form this season.

In 2024/25, once again both are set to lock horns again in the knockout stage. It is definitely not the first and not the last. Only time will tell if it will be one of the memorable clashes between those two, like these ones below. Here are the best Madrileno derby duels in the Champions League. 

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid (1958/59 European Cup)

Their first European encounter took place in the 1958/59 European Cup. Both sides met in the semifinal. At that time, Real Madrid was the reigning champion and the favourite, whereas Atletico qualified for the competition as a runner-up.

The first leg in Bernabeu resulted as expected as the host thumped Los Cholconeros 2-1. Despite conceding first through Chuzo’s powerful shot, Madrid managed to level the term only two minutes later from Hector Rial’s goal. Ferenc Puskas eventually put them in front from the penalty spot.

In the reverse fixture, Atletico surprisingly was able to claw back with a narrow win. Enrique Collar scored the only goal of the game at Vicente Calderon, which forced the playoff match in the neutral venue. At that time, there was no penalty shootout yet in the regulation, leaving both teams in place for the decisive clash in Zaragoza.

In La Romareda, Los Blancos onceagain displayed their true class in the playoff. They opened the scoring in the 16th minute as Alfredo Di Stefano found the back of the net. Los Rojiblancos did equalise two minutes later from Enrique Collar. Luis Carniglia’s men finally reach the final after Ferenc Puskas notched up one three minutes before the interval. There were no more goals in the second half, and the final berth belonged to Real Madrid again, who went on to win their fourth consecutive trophy after beating Stade Reims in the summit.

Match statistics: (not available)

Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid (2016 UCL final)

It was the second final for the Madrid derby in UCL history, but the game was more even than the previous one in 2014. It was Zidane’s first UCL final as a manager. Although Madrid eventually came out as a winner again, the match was tighter than expected.

Los Blancos did take an early lead from Sergio Ramos’s tap into the back of the net after taking advantage of Gareth Bale’s header in the 15th minute. Atletico had an earlier opportunity to equalise in the second half from a penalty, but Antoine Griezmann’s shot only rattled the crossbar. They finally had their equaliser in the 79th minute through Yannick Carrasco’s shot in the close range.

The game went on with Madrid’s attempt to kill the game, but Atletico’s defence and Jan Oblak’s top form were too strong to break. Cristiano Ronaldo even squandered at least three chances in the six-yard box. The final in Milan eventually had to be decided on penalties. All of Madrid’s executors succeeded while Atletico’s missed one as Juanfran’s shot only hit the post. It was a 5-3 victory for CR7 and co. 

 

Madrid vs Atletico

 

Shots on goal

8

4

Shots off target

6

10

Saves

3

6

Blocks

11

3

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid (2018 UEFA Super Cup)

The most thrilling match was probably the 2018 UEFA Super Cup. Both Madrid sides were the champions of European competitions in the previous campaign. Los Blancos won UCL but came with a new manager in charge, Julen Lopetegui, following Zinedine Zidane’s departure, while Atletico snatched their second Europa League.

It was an exciting encounter leading to a goal galore. Atletico took an early lead from Diego Costa’s goal within the first minute after scoring from a narrow angle on the right flank as he was man marked by Raphael Varane. However, Los Blancos equalized from Karim Benzema’s header in the 26th minute and even took control of the game and was upfront as Sergio Ramos converted the penalty in 63rd minute. Diego Costa was the man of the hour as he bagged his brace to level the term and forced the extra time.

In the next 30 minutes, it was Diego Simeone’s men who netted twice. Two midfielders, Saul Niguez and the skipper Koke scored the decisive goal. Saul volleyed the ball and slotted home following Thomas Partey’s cross whereas Koke’s sublime finish sealed their win. 4-2 for Atletico. It was their second Super Cup for Diego Simeone after 2012 edition and Los Rojiblancos’s third in a decade.  

Match statistics:

 

Madrid vs Atletico

 

Shots on goal

6

5

Shots off target

4

-

Saves

1

4

Blocks

3

3

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